4-Part STCW Basic Safety Training At MSA Dover – Careers At Sea

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) recently welcomed Finley Reeves to complete his 4-Part STCW Basic Safety Training. Finley, who turned 18 during his training week, is currently studying on a Football Scholarship and travelled from Tamworth to our centre in Dover to complete his training as he was exploring options for a potential career at sea.

We followed his week at our state-of-the-art centre and interviewed him after five days of training to see how he’d gotten on.

Finn stood in full fire fighting PPE with a helmet and breathing apparatus with his thumbs up to the camera as part of his 4-part STCW Basic Safety Training

What inspired you to book training courses at the MSA?

I’ve always been in love with football, but sometimes you do have to move on. This course will open up opportunities for me to travel and explore. I think it’s important to look at what else is out there, and when there are opportunities to do things like this, you have to do them.

Which element of the week did you enjoy the most?

My favourite element was the second day of Fire Prevention and Firefighting. I’d never done anything like that before, and although you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ve got people around you who will make sure that you do know what you’re doing.

We were fully fitted in PPE with a breathing apparatus set and oxygen cylinder that we carried on our backs while we worked together as a team to identify a casualty and safely carry them out of the container. That was my favourite day.

The staff and instructors’ help made the experience enjoyable because it didn’t seem like a training course. I looked forward to each day as they were each a proper experience.

Finn is using a fire extinguisher as part of his Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting course which makes up the 4-Part STCW Basic Safety Training Week

Has your experience at the MSA been different from what you expected?

I wasn’t expecting the fire procedures and classes to be as detailed as they were; I thought they [the courses] would be more theoretical than practical—experiencing real situations. All the practices in themselves were very detailed and realistic. Although you’re not at sea and in real firefighting situations, you are putting out actual fires in real-life scenarios.

Which skills have you gained from the 4-Part STCW Basic Safety Training?

I’ve learnt skills for life, such as CPR, what to do if you go overboard, and how to treat a casualty choking or with an injury that needs bandaging.

If I hadn’t completed this course, I wouldn’t have had a clue how to help someone effectively. It’s nice to know that I can try to help [someone] if something were to happen.

CPR performed on a first aid manikin - 4-Part STCW Basic Safety Training

Have the instructors helped make the training engaging and useful?

The mix of [the instructors’] personalities and how some of them used humour or their wisdom from experience to teach the course is engaging, as it’s not just reading course material off the board.

They’re demonstrating and explaining at the same time, going into exact detail about why you need to do this and why that happens. It’s good to say, “You need to do this to keep someone alive”, but the trainers explained why you need to do that to keep someone alive. As a result, you’re more engaged with it [the lessons] because you’re curious and want to learn more.

Can you share a specific moment where you felt you learned something valuable?

On day five (Elementary First Aid), learning CPR and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), you can use that in any scenario; it doesn’t just have to be on board.

I now feel more confident about performing CPR instead of just winging it. I would try and help, whereas I probably wouldn’t have before.

What’s been the most challenging part of your training? How did you overcome it?

It’s not to say everything this week was easy, but the workload in the practicals was a challenge. When you’re firefighting, it’s hot, and you’ve got a heavy cylinder on your back, but if I had gone in there without training, it would have been even more challenging.

During the Personal Survival Techniques training course (PST), the physical side was more challenging, but we were taught how to do the exercises in the most effective way.

What role or career path are you hoping to pursue, having completed your training?

I love football, but I’ve got a big interest in this side of the world now and working at sea. I like the idea of working as a deckhand on a superyacht, and I’ve always wanted to travel — with a job like that, it’s a requirement. Although you are working, you’re also travelling the world, so you can’t really complain!

Would you recommend the MSA to others, and if so, why?

I’d definitely recommend the Maritime Skills Academy to others. A career at sea isn’t as well-known an option as it should be. I would never have known about the training needed to work at sea before six months ago, and my friends and family hadn’t considered a career at sea either, as I was explaining to them that I would be completing this course. However, I’d recommend it, and everything has been perfect. There hasn’t been anything that I thought could’ve been better. Everything went really well.

Delegate Finn Reeves stood holding his certificate after completing his STCW Basic Safety Training Week at MSA Dover — *Finn stood proudly with his certificate after completing the STCW Basic Safety Course at MSA Dover*

Maritime Safety Instructor Stuart Warters said of Finn’s experience at the MSA, “[He] took everything in and was always engaged with the courses. Finn demonstrated everything we needed him to do and by the end of the week, he had really improved in confidence.”

If you’ve completed one of our training courses, at either our Dover or Portsmouth facility and would like to leave some feedback or write about your experience, contact our team today at Marketing@vikingmaritime.co.uk

Elevating Safety & Efficiency with Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

One of the most important aspects of maintaining high standards in maritime operations is through training. An inclusive approach enhances the skills and knowledge of officers and crew while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) is pivotal in providing top-tier training for maritime professionals. The MSA helps clients elevate their operational capabilities and safety standards by utilising state-of-the-art facilities, expert trainers, and world-class simulators.

Captain Josip Kulas Bridge Simulator MSA Portsmouth | Maritime Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

Training is an ongoing process that encompasses various aspects of shipboard life, from technical skills to safety protocols. At the MSA, clients can benefit from hands-on training in navigation, engineering, and communication systems using the latest technologies.

Our bridge simulators offer realistic scenarios, so crew can better prepare for emergencies and crisis situations, in accordance with the maritime regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Accident Investigation

Accident investigation is critical for improving safety standards in any industry. Using our expert analysis, instructors guide clients in identifying causes of accidents and implementing preventative measures.

Based on the investigation, the client will then receive documented recommendations to improve safety protocols on board, enhancing the safety of crew and passengers.

HR and Policy Creation

Effective Human Resources (HR) management and policy creation are crucial for successful operations.

Clients will receive expert advice on developing clear policies and strategies around working hours, rest periods, and crew welfare. As a result, the client will be better equipped to support their crew and increase staff retention.

Safety Procedures Advice and Design

Designing robust safety procedures is a cornerstone of onboard training. As part of our training package, the MSA can provide clients with guidance by creating tailored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily operations and emergencies. Our expert trainers will work with clients to identify potential hazards and establish effective mitigation strategies to accompany this. Involving the crew in safety planning will foster a safety culture, increasing crew engagement.

Man in hi-vis orange jacket, holding a clipboard | Maritime Training with the Maritime Skills Academy

Safety Audits

Clients will benefit from thorough assessments, guaranteeing their vessels comply with safety standards. This can then be supported by actionable advice to enhance existing measures and practices. But the support doesn’t stop there. We believe in “Setting New Standards Together,” which is why, at the MSA, our clients can receive ongoing support to maintain high safety standards through regular audits and assessments.

Port Studies

Port studies are crucial for understanding local conditions and regulations. With the assistance of our bridge simulator, crew can gain insights into port layout, and specific regional rules for efficient navigation and operations. This progressive approach will help crew to anticipate and mitigate potential risks specific to each port.

Image of simulator screens | Maritime Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

Independent Officer and Crew Skill Set Assessments

Utilising bridge and engine simulators, regular assessments of officers and crew are vital for maintaining high standards on board. The MSA offers skill evaluations, in which clients receive detailed assessments of crew and officer skills, knowledge, and performance. With regular evaluations, clients can promote accountability and excellence in their operations.

How can the Maritime Skills Academy support you with Maritime Training?

As stated, training is critical in elevating safety and efficiency in the maritime industry. The MSA is a leader in providing high-quality training, assessments, and audits, utilising our state-of-the-art facilities.

Book with us today to enhance your operational capabilities and maintain the highest standards of excellence.

To learn more about these training courses, please email Director of Training and Simulation, Plamen Marinov at: plamenm@vikingmsa.com

What Is A Maritime Academy?

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we offer a wide range of courses that cover everything from navigation and maritime law, to vessel operation and management. We also offer a variety of specialised courses that focus on specific areas of maritime transportation, such as tug operation and maritime security.

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the role of a maritime academy in maritime education, and the courses that they offer.

So, What Is It?

A maritime academy is a technical school that focuses on the study of all aspects of maritime transportation and related technologies. Maritime academies prepare students for careers as merchant marine officers and in other maritime professions.

Maritime academies have a long history that dates back to the 18th century, when the first maritime schools were established in the United States and Europe. These early schools were created in response to a need for trained sailors to man rapidly growing merchant marine fleets.

What Do Maritime Academies Teach?

Maritime academies are different from traditional colleges in that they typically offer intensive courses rather than academic degrees. Maritime courses typically last between one and five days, and focus on a mix of classroom-based learning and hands-on training.

Some courses offered by maritime academies are mandatory for all students who wish to enter a maritime profession.

Such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW).

These courses typically cover the basics of maritime law, navigation, and safety.

Maritime academies also offer specialised courses that are specific to certain types of vessels, such as tugboats, tankers, and cruise ships. These advanced courses usually aren’t required by law, but are still a condition of employment as mariners take on more responsibilities in their professions.

What Is A Maritime Academy Student Maritime Skills Academy — Maritime academy student’s learning at Maritime Skills Academy

What Are Maritime Academy Courses Like?

The specifics of a maritime academy course will depend on the course being taken. That said, all maritime academy courses typically consist of both theoretical and practical training.

Theoretical Training

Theoretical training is usually classroom-based, similar to what you would find in a traditional college setting.

However, maritime courses often have a more hands-on focus than most college classes. This is because much of the information being taught is best learned through experience. For example, a course on maritime law might include case studies and real-world examples to help students understand how the law applies in practice.

Practical Training

Practical training is an essential part of maritime education. Maritime academy students typically spend a significant amount of time learning how to operate vessels and handle various maritime tasks.

Practical training is often conducted on-site at the maritime academy, using mock-ups or simulators that replicate real-world conditions. An example of this is the Maritime Skills Academy’s Tug Simulator (TUGS), which is used to train delegates in the operation of tugboats.

Tug Simulator (TUGS)

Practical training also often takes place on actual vessels. This type of hands-on experience is essential for students to get a feel for what it’s actually like to work as a seafarer.

Do You Need a Degree to Attend a Maritime Academy?

No, you do not need a degree to attend a maritime academy, but some advanced courses require that students complete more basic courses before enrolling. For example, the Maritime Skills Academy’s Medical First Aid (MFA) course is a prerequisite for the Proficiency In Medical Care (PMC) course.

Medical First Aid (MFA)

Proficiency In Medical Care (PMC)

What Is A Maritime Academy Maritime Skills Academy — Maritime Skills Academy can help your maritime career

Maritime Academy Course Examples

Now that you understand the basics of maritime academies, here are a few examples of courses on offer at the Maritime Skills Academy to give you a better idea of what maritime courses are like:

Basic Safety Training (BST)

The Maritime Skills Academy’s Basic Safety Training (BST) course is a mandatory course for all students who wish to enter the maritime profession. The course contains all of the modules required to complete the Basic STCW certification, including:

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
Personal Survival Techniques
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
Security Awareness

The course is delivered over five days at one of our training locations in Dover, Portsmouth, or Gibraltar.

Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (CMHB)

The Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (CMHB) course is designed to help students understand how people behave in crisis situations and how to manage those situations effectively.

The one-day course covers topics such as:

Organising ship board emergency procedures
Controlling the response to emergencies on board
The psychology of emergency situations
Practising effective crisis communication

The course is designed for any seafarer who will be responsible for the safety of passengers in emergency situations, including ship officers, passenger ship staff, and lifeboat crews.

Trust Maritime Skills Academy With Your Maritime Education

The Maritime Skills Academy is a leading provider of maritime education and training. We offer a wide range of courses to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses.

Our courses are delivered by experienced Maritime Safety Instructors who are passionate about maritime education. In addition, our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in Dover, Portsmouth and Gibraltar give our students the best possible learning experience.

If you’re interested in enrolling on a maritime course, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today to find out more about our courses and how we can help you achieve your maritime goals.